October Newsletter in Full (348k)

Chairmanship of the Institute of Field Archaeologists

CgMs is pleased to announce that Mike Dawson has become the Chairman of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) the professional body for archaeology in the UK.

Michael took over the Chair after three years as Chairman of the Committee for Working Practices. It was this committee that promoted, with the Institute of Civil Engineers, the recent ICE Conditions of Contract, published by Thomas Telford in 2004. Michael is the first archaeological consultant in the Chair. His chairmanship of the Institute is a recognition of the growing importance and professionalization of archaeology and of the key role of consultancies in promoting best practice and accountability in the sector.

With over 2000 members, and an office in Reading University, the Institute is recognized throughout the UK. It publishes a quarterly news journal and represents the profession at national level to ministers, Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport and David Lammy, Minister for Culture. The Institute also has regular consultations with executive agencies English Heritage, the Highways Agency and DEFRA.

The Institute also represents the profession to other stakeholders and works closely with building conservation officers through joint initiatives with IHBC and the Association of Local Government Archaeology Officers (ALGAO). The IFA is actively involved in the current Heritage Protection Review by English Heritage.

PLANNING

Iver, Buckinghamshire

Planning permission has been granted at appeal for the demolition of 3 houses and the erection of 30 dwellings together with the formation of a new access at Meadow Cottage in Iver, Bucks. The site, just off Bangors Road South, is to be developed by Kebbell Homes who are currently in the process of developing land at Old Orchard 100m to the south of Meadow Cottage for 14 flats, pursuant to permission obtained also by CgMs.

The Meadow Cottage permission, granted after an Informal Hearing, followed a previous dismissal at appeal for 28 dwellings. CgMs worked with the developer and the traffic consultants, Capita Symonds, to come up with an alternative highways solution that dealt with the concerns of the Inspector in relation to the previous scheme.

For further information, please contact Steve Wilson

Goldington Road, Bedford

Planning permission has just been granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement, for the conversion of, and extensions to Heron House on Goldington Road, Bedford. The 1960s office block - the former home of the Government Office for the East of England and the Highways Agency - will be converted into 78 apartments, 23 of which will be affordable, the vast majority for shared equity or discounted purchase.

CgMs worked with, and co-ordinated, a team of professionals including architects, traffic consultants, arboriculturalist and sustainability experts, to produce a scheme unique to Bedford. The design solution will see the complete remodelling of the building facade using brickwork, render, timber and glass, together with the construction of a new floor to accommodate penthouse units.

For further information, please contact Steve Wilson

Wymondham, Norfolk

CgMs has recently provided expert retail advice in connection with a full planning application for the development of a Focus DIY store, garden centre and car parking on land at Gateway 11 at Wymondham in Norfolk. The application, that has recently been lodged, seeks permission for approximately 26,000 sq. ft of floorspace plus a 10, 000 sq. ft. garden centre that will significantly enhance the level of provision in Wymondham which is currently not served by any of the major national DIY chains. A household survey commissioned for the application showed that almost 70% of expenditure arising in the Wymondham area was spent at the major DIY stores in Norwich, thus increasing travel by the private car, contrary to sustainability aims, as well as adversely affecting the local economy.

CgMs, working as part of a team, advised on retail strategy, commissioned the household survey to assess shopping patterns in the area and prepared a detailed retail planning assessment dealing with the key issues of retail need, the sequential approach and retail impact.

For further information please contact Steve Wilson

457 Fulham Road, The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea resolved to grant planning permission and conservation area consent on the 28th of September 2005 for the demolition of this vacant property and replacement with a building comprising of a restaurant and four apartments.

CgMs were instructed by Dereham Investments Ltd at a point when two earlier applications had been submitted and were going to be refused. CgMs recommended that the applications be withdrawn, and coordinated a series of pre-application meetings and negotiations which resulted in a revised scheme that was approved within the Council’s 13-week statutory deadline under delegated authority. The proposed pastiche building will not only increase the level of floorspace on site, but will replace the historical architectural features that partially remain and will re-instate positive features that have been lost over time.

457 Fulham Road forms one part of three terrace properties in the Sloane Stanley Conservation Area dating back to the early 19th Century. CgMs were instrumental in organising a sound planning argument to be put forward with the applications package. This documentation convinced Local Planning Authority Officers that total redevelopment was the most appropriate resolution, who had previously been opposed to the demolition of the building and wanted the original structure retained as much as possible.

For further information please contact Will Thompson

Mulberry House, 583 Fulham Road, London

CgMs’ planning strategy was successful for Aspect Property Group’s site in the heart of Fulham Town Centre successful following the approval of three alternative appeal proposals for a café or restaurant use at the ground floor. The alternative schemes include the opening up of the building’s frontages with Fulham Road and Argon Mews.

CgMs had earlier convinced Hammersmith & Fulham that the established employment use was unviable at ground floor level, and planning permission had been granted for Class A1 or A2 uses. However, the Council believed the introduction of a further Class A3 use would harm the vitality and viability of Fulham Town Centre and that the associated flue would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Walham Green Conservation Area.

Following an Informal Hearing, the Inspector agreed with CgMs that the introduction of a Class A3 use would contribute more to street level activity than the existing office use, and that no harm would be created to the amenity of any residents, nor would any adverse car parking or traffic impacts arise. The Inspector considered the flue could be appropriately designed such that it would not be seen as a noticeably alien or incongruous feature.

As a result of the appeal proposals, a 350m2 unit is available for either Class A1, A2 or A3 use.

For further information please contact Matthew Roe